Rolling my carry-on beside me, I step off the ramp into the airport. It’s morning in Amsterdam. I pause to get my bearings then find my way to Starbucks. I spy my favorite lounge just beyond it. Misty morning light casts a soft haze through the floor-to-ceiling windows as airplanes taxi slowly by. 

With a latte in one hand and my carry-on in the other, I sink into one of the chairs, grateful for the safe flight and a place to stretch out. The lady in the next chair over snores softly. Travelers scurry by, late for their flights. Others dawdle, trying to pass the time as they wait for theirs. Starbucks baristas go about their magic, serving foamy cups of coffee and sleek cups of tea. The world hums along all around me, and I suddenly feel very much alone, unknown. 

I slip my latte into the cup holder hanging on the side of the chair and try to ignore the feeling of loneliness as I find my Bible. My brain, full of jet-lag fog, isn’t awake enough for an intense Bible study. I decide to simply review the Psalm I’m currently trying to memorize. 

I open my Bible to Psalm 5. I read then recite verse one, then verse two. I go on to verse three: 

O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; In the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. Psalm 5:3 

In the morning, this very morning, the Lord hears me. Even in an airport full of strangers, the Lord knows me! And so I prepare a sacrifice of praise for Him and watch with joy. The world hums along all around me, and I suddenly feel very much known.